My Light

When I was a child, I was very shy and known as it.  I accepted the reputation and didn’t talk much. Lately, I have worked on communicating more, acknowledging people, and saying what it on my mind as long as it is helpful.  Sometimes communicating is helpful in and of itself simply so you can be involved.  I have realized lately from the counsel that I mentioned earlier that the Holy Spirit the Wonderful Counselor sent, that growing up, honestly, my upbringing did not include a lot of verbal affirmation and verbal acknowledgement.  I forgive with understanding and with love those who could have given me more verbal affirmation and acknowledgement.  I forgive with love and understanding that perhaps they did not get much verbal love or verbal acknowledgment while growing and I plan to verbally acknowledge and affirm them with love without weary next time I see them.  Having followed the example I’ve seen for many years, it has been a challenge, but a pleasant and healthy challenge to try visiting more with people and giving acknowledgment and affirmation to people.  I wonder if I’m hearing from the Holy Spirit one of the reasons I was shy because I was afraid of being proud and being afraid of not responding the right way to praise about what I've done?  It can be real stifling, this sense of bondage!  I know! The encouragement I get that it is okay and not prideful not to be shy is the Bible verse recording Jesus’ words to let your let shine.  I am to not be afraid to do well, to be kind in words and other ways.  I do not need to be afraid to do well.  The reason I would be afraid is if I am afraid of people.  Fearing God is doing well for the purpose of doing well that others will see and give glory to God.  Sometimes my light to shine is showing a patience; sometimes, it’s a plate of delicious food.  Sometimes, it’s reading a book to one of my daughters or spending other time with them in a quality way.  Sometimes, it is trust and submission.  Wherever it’s needed most, whenever it’s needed, I don’t have to be afraid… I can be excited that I can let my light shine and then do well to do what I can to encourage glory to God for it.